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Chevrolet Announces 2021 Trailblazer Compact SUV

Nameplate Returns With Aggressive Styling and Active Safety

Chevrolet will bring the Trailblazer name back for a 2021 compact crossover. The 2021 Trailblazer will reportedly slot between the subcompact Trax and the larger compact Equinox when it arrives sometime next year.

The 2021 Trailblazer features similar styling to the attractive Blazer midsize SUV. A large grille, slim and aggressive daytime running lamps, a contrast roof, sculpted bodysides, and sporty wheels all make an appearance on the Trailblazer, giving it a purposeful stance and a distinctive appearance. The only photos Chevrolet released were of the 2021 Trailblazer RS, which comes with that contrast roof, as well as a unique mesh texture for the radiator grille.

GM was mum on most of the Trailblazer's specifications, refusing to betray engine details, power outputs, or transmissions. But given its sporty, mini-Blazer styling, we presume Chevrolet wants to position the 2021 Trailblazer as a more exciting alternative to Chevy's current small SUVs. As such, don't be surprised to see a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 show up on the options list, perhaps boasting more than the 252 hp that comes on board in the Equinox. If Chevy really wants to set the Trailblazer apart from other smallish SUVs, it should make that bigger turbo four standard.

The Trailblazer likely rides on an expanded version of the platform that shows up under the Trax cute-ute. As such, expect reasonable efficiency and comfort from the Trailblazer given its compact dimensions. GM also promises a long list of standard active safety features: automatic emergency braking, pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assistance, and lane departure monitoring. Adaptive cruise control will be optional.

Curiously, the 2021 Trailblazer comes with more standard active safety than the much larger and more expensive Blazer. Getting automatic emergency braking is a $45,370 proposition on the 2019 Blazer, requiring stepping into the RS model and adding a $3,575 package. Perhaps Chevy will rectify that for 2020, offering the base Blazer with automatic emergency braking and more.

The company will release more details closer to the Trailblazer's on-sale date early next year. Expect to see the 2021 Trailblazer make its first official appearance sometime this summer, and hopefully we'll learn what engines power the aggressive small SUV at that time.